This shift mirrors Tesla’s strategy of starting with high-value markets before scaling to broader applications. CEO Paul Mikesell stated that a customer in organic row cropping encouraged this move.
The G2 series includes models with 20-foot (G2 600), 40-foot (G2 1200), and 60-foot (G2 1800) widths. While pricing for the larger models remains undisclosed, the G2 600 costs $1.4 million plus annual support fees. Prices do not scale linearly, suggesting the 60-foot model might be around $1.7 million.
Speed is a concern. The G2 1800 operates at 5-10 acres per hour, significantly slower than traditional sprayers. A 1,500-acre farm would need at least 10 days of full-time operation to complete weed management. Full autonomy and price reductions will be necessary for broader adoption in conventional farming.
Laser weeders work best on small weeds, with 99% control rates for seedlings under a few inches. However, larger weeds like 5-6” Palmer amaranth may survive, and perennials with rhizomes or stolons may regrow since the laser does not kill underground structures. This raises questions about whether laser weeding will drive selection for faster-growing or more resilient weeds.
Resistance to lasers is unlikely, as unlike herbicides, lasers do not have a biochemical mode of action. However, biological adaptation remains a possibility. Beyond weeding, light-based crop protection using UV light for pest and disease control could be an area of future expansion, though Carbon Robotics is not currently pursuing this.
The company sells its systems directly to farmers, emphasizing strong customer support. Service plans have three tiers based on seasonal needs. Competing companies, such as Laudando & Associates, Azaneo, and FarmWise, offer alternative weeding technologies, including electric weeding, mechanical removal, and AI-driven automation.
Ultimately, Carbon Robotics is advancing laser weeding technology, but widespread adoption will depend on cost, efficiency, and integration with existing farm operations. For now, laser weeding is promising but may require complementary control methods to be a viable long-term solution in large-scale agriculture.
Carbon Robotics Introduces G2 Product Line: Will Laser Weeding Eliminate Herbicides in Row Crops?
Laser weeding is an emerging technology that has the potential to significantly reduce or even eliminate herbicide use in row crops. However, whether it will completely replace herbicides depends on several factors:
Advantages of Laser Weeding
Precision – Laser weeding uses AI and machine vision to identify and target weeds with high accuracy, reducing collateral damage to crops.
Chemical-Free – It eliminates the need for herbicides, addressing concerns about soil and water contamination, herbicide resistance, and health risks.
Sustainability – By reducing chemical inputs, laser weeding supports regenerative agriculture and organic farming.
Labor Reduction – Automating weed control minimizes reliance on manual labor, which is a major challenge in large-scale farming.
Resistant Weed Control – Unlike herbicides, lasers are effective against herbicide-resistant weeds.
Challenges and Limitations
High Initial Cost – The equipment and AI technology involved are expensive, making adoption difficult for smaller farms.
Energy Consumption – Laser systems require significant power, potentially increasing operational costs.
Speed and Scalability – Current laser systems are slower than traditional herbicide spraying, limiting their feasibility for large-acreage row crops.
Weather Dependence – Laser weeding works best in dry conditions; moisture, dust, and certain weather conditions may affect performance.
Weed Seed Viability – While lasers destroy plant tissue, some weed seeds may survive and sprout later.
Future Outlook
Laser weeding is rapidly improving and could play a major role in reducing herbicide dependence, especially for high-value crops.
Integration with robotics, AI, and solar power may enhance efficiency and affordability.
In large-scale row cropping, a hybrid approach combining laser weeding, cover crops, and precision herbicide application may be the most practical solution.
While laser weeding is a promising alternative, completely eliminating herbicides will likely require a combination of new technologies and regenerative farming practices. Would you like insights on how this might impact organic certification or soil health?
